A legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer who helped shape the sound of soul and R&B music, penning iconic hits like "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" and "Green Onions".
Steve Cropper, affectionately known as "The Colonel," is the revered guitarist, songwriter, and record producer behind some of the most iconic soul and R&B hits of the 1960s. As the guitarist of the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, Cropper played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of legendary artists like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam & Dave.
Born on a farm near Willow Springs, Missouri, in 1941, Cropper grew up surrounded by the rich musical heritage of the American South. His family moved to Memphis when he was just 9 years old, exposing him to the city's vibrant black church music scene, which would later influence his distinctive guitar style. At 14, Cropper acquired his first guitar, and his early influences included guitar greats like Tal Farlow, Chuck Berry, and Lowman Pauling of the Five Royals.
Cropper's music career took off in the late 1950s when he formed the Royal Spades with guitarist Charlie Freeman. The group eventually evolved into the MarKeys, named after the marquee outside Stax studios, and scored a hit single with "Last Night" in 1961. Impressed by Cropper's professionalism and maturity, Stax Records president Jim Stewart recruited him as the company's A&R man. This marked the beginning of Cropper's long and fruitful collaboration with Booker T. Jones, Lewie Steinberg, and Al Jackson Jr. as the Stax house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s.
As a member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, Cropper played on numerous classic recordings, including Otis Redding's "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay," Sam & Dave's "Soul Man," and Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour." His distinctive guitar riffs and production skills helped shape the sound of Stax Records, earning him a reputation as one of the most sought-after session musicians of the era.
In the 1970s, Cropper joined Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi's blues revival project, the Blues Brothers, further cementing his status as a guitar legend. Throughout his career, Cropper has won two Grammy Awards from seven nominations and has been ranked 36th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
Cropper's approach to music is rooted in a deep respect for the blues and R&B traditions. He has often spoken about the importance of simplicity, feel, and groove in music, emphasizing the need for musicians to tap into their emotional core to create truly great music.
Steve Cropper's impact on popular music is immeasurable. His work with Booker T. & the M.G.'s and the Blues Brothers has inspired generations of musicians, from Eric Clapton to John Mayer. As a guitarist, songwriter, and producer, Cropper has left an indelible mark on the course of soul, R&B, and rock 'n' roll.
In conclusion, Steve Cropper is a true legend of American music, a master guitarist, and a pivotal figure in the development of soul and R&B. His contributions to the world of music are a testament to his dedication, passion, and innovative spirit.
80 Years Old
A legendary musician who pioneered soul and R&B music with his iconic Hammond organ sound and hit songs like "Green Onions" and "Time Is Tight". He's a Grammy-winning artist and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
83 Years Old
Legendary bassist and songwriter behind iconic hits like "Respect" and "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay", known for his groovy, soulful sound that defined Memphis soul and rock music.
90 Years Old
A renowned drummer, songwriter, and producer who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Stax Records and worked with legendary artists like Al Green and Otis Redding. He's behind some of soul music's most iconic hits.
84 Years Old
Soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting defined the iconic sound of a legendary musician, whose tragic death at 26 cemented his legacy as a rock and roll pioneer.
90 Years Old
Legendary soul singer-songwriter behind iconic hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'", known for his powerful, soulful voice and classic duets with Dave Prater.
84 Years Old
A soulful voice behind classic hits like "In the Midnight Hour" and "Land of 1000 Dances", this legendary singer-songwriter brought energetic and passionate performances to the forefront of 1960s soul and R&B music.
83 Years Old
The "Queen of Soul" was a legendary vocalist, songwriter, and pianist who revolutionized music with her powerful, soulful voice and classic hits like "Respect" and "Think".
80 Years Old
A highly influential blues and rock musician, known for his mastery of the electric guitar and hits like "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight".
